Our Story

We are proud to be a Veteran owned, family operated business and all of our tackle is handmade in the USA! We focus on bringing top quality products to our shop to help get more fish in your boat, and our unmatched customer care makes you feel like family. 

We want to ensure that we can do our part in bringing families together through their love of fishing. Our specialty is custom fishing apparel, as well as tackle and accessories with an Edge! I've been an avid fisherman for over 50 years, as I find a feeling of peace on the water. I also find joy in sharing my passion of fishing with our community, and with our youth who have not fished yet - to bring this same love of fishing to them.

I'm a proud member of Army Bass Anglers, and a supporting member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, and member of B.A.S.S. I love to see my children and grandchildren also appreciating the simple beauty of fishing. My sons' passion led to the creation of some of our signature lures. We are proud to sponsor several local fishing teams as a way to give back to our community, including the Olympia High School, Tremont High School fishing team, D-Mack High School Fishing Team and Morris Community High School Fishing Team. We are also a supporter of the SCHS fishing team in Murfreesboro, TN.  

I feel confident that our product will serve you well, and if you have any questions, we welcome you to reach out to us directly.

Thank you for supporting us, God Bless
- Lee (Big City) Kerr
"We can't wait for you to join our family!"
  • South Side Bait & Tackle, Pekin IL.

    Great family bait and tackle shop. Jeff and Gabe do a great job. Help support local family businesses.

  • Live Bait, minnows, worms and wax worms and much more!

  • Jeff & Gabe carry a full line of tackle

    No matter what you fish for Jeff & Gabe have you covered.

  • Need Cat Fish Rods South Side has them. Looking for a Crappie Rod South Side has ACC Crappie Sticks.

  • Full coolers of your favorite beverage

  • Looking for your favorite spirit, They got it!

  • South Side has a good selection of bigcityfishinggear hats and lures.

    We have made custom baits for Jeff that are not on our site that you can only get at South Side Bait & Tackle. Go in and check them out today!

  • Authorized Dealer of the Original Vanilla Bug Spray

    Jeff & Gabe carry a whole line of VBS, Pick up some today!

  • Tremont Shell Station, Tremont Illinois

    Tremont Shell Station now has bigcityfishing lures, hats and t-shirts

    Oh and Great Fried Chicken

  • C S Menswear 5201 N. War Memorial Drive, Peoria, IL. at the Shoppes of Grand Prairie

    C S Menswear has bigcityfishinggear Performance Shirts in Blue or Grey

    SPF 35, Let Carlos and Elliot find the right size for you.

  • When want to look your Best!

    Carlos & Elliot will make you feel like a King!